Data storage library with service mode for protecting data storage drives

ABSTRACT

A data storage library system includes a data storage library, at least one environmental conditioning unit, at least one data storage drive retained within the data storage library, and at least one access door for providing access to an interior portion of the data storage library. The system also includes a library controller, wherein the library controller is configured to initiate a service mode prior to and during a service procedure performed within the data storage library, and further wherein at least one operational state within the at least one data storage drive is changed during the service mode. The change in the at least one operational state may be, for example, an increase in temperature within the at least one data storage drive, or the insertion of a data storage cartridge into the at least one data storage drive during the service mode.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a data storage library for the storageand transfer of data, and more specifically, to a data storage librarycapable of entering a distinct service mode when one or more componentswithin the data storage library are in need of service, replacement, orboth.

Automated data storage libraries are known for providing cost effectivestorage and retrieval of large quantities of data. The data in automateddata storage libraries is typically stored on media of data storagecartridges that are, in turn, stored at storage slots or the like insidethe library in a fashion that renders the media, and its resident data,accessible for physical retrieval. Such data storage cartridges arecommonly termed “removable media.” Data storage cartridge media maycomprise any type of media on which data may be stored and which mayserve as removable media, including but not limited to magnetic media(such as magnetic tape or disks), optical media (such as optical tape ordisks), electronic media (such as PROM, EEPROM, flash PROM,COMPACTFLASH™, SMARTMEDIA™, MEMORY STICK™, etc.), or other suitablemedia. An example of a data storage cartridge that is widely employed inautomated data storage libraries for mass data storage is a magnetictape cartridge.

In addition to data storage media, automated data storage librariestypically comprise data storage drives that store data to, and/orretrieve data from, the data storage cartridge media. Further, automateddata storage libraries typically comprise I/O stations at which datastorage cartridges are supplied or added to, or removed from, thelibrary. The transport of data storage cartridges between data storageslots, data storage drives, and I/O stations is typically accomplishedby one or more robotic accessors. Such accessors have grippers forphysically retrieving the selected data storage cartridges from thestorage slots within the automated data storage library and transportingsuch cartridges to the data storage drives by moving, for example, inthe horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) directions.

In an effort to increase storage capacity, deep slot technology allowsfor storage cells that contain more than a single data storagecartridge. Such storage libraries allow for higher density, or morecartridges stored per square foot. In “deep slot” libraries, two or morecartridges may be stored in a multi-cartridge deep slot cell, arrayed inseries, one behind the other, in tiers ranging from a front-most tier toa rearmost tier.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a data storage librarysystem is disclosed, the system including a data storage library, atleast one environmental conditioning unit fluidly coupled to the datastorage library, at least one data storage drive retained within thedata storage library, and at least one access door for providing accessto an interior portion of the data storage library. The system alsoincludes a library controller, wherein the library controller isconfigured to initiate a service mode prior to and during a serviceprocedure performed within the data storage library, and further whereinat least one operational state within the at least one data storagedrive is changed during the service mode.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a system is disclosed,the system including a data storage library, at least one environmentalconditioning unit associated with the data storage library andconfigured to control one or more interior environmental conditionswithin the data storage library, at least one data storage drivedisposed within the data storage library, and at least one access doorfor providing access to an interior portion of the data storage library.The system also includes a library controller, wherein the librarycontroller is configured to initiate a service mode prior to and duringa service procedure performed within the data storage library, andfurther wherein the library controller is configured to ramp at leastone interior environmental condition within the at least one datastorage drive toward at least one exterior environmental conditionoutside of the data storage library during the service mode.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method ofservicing a data storage library is disclosed, the method includingproviding a data storage library, initiating a service mode prior to andduring a service procedure being performed within the data storagelibrary, and adjusting an interior temperature within at least one datastorage drive retained in the data storage library toward an exteriortemperature outside of the data storage library. The method alsoincludes determining if the interior temperature within the at least onedata storage drive is within a desired range of the exterior temperatureoutside of the data storage library, and allowing access into the datastorage library if the interior temperature within the at least one datastorage drive is within the desired range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of an automated datastorage library.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of another embodiment of an automated datastorage library

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a storage frame from the data storagelibrary of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an automated datastorage library.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a controller configuration accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of a data storage drive according toone embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view of the data storage drive of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is perspective view of a data storage cartridge having a cutawayportion, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a partial side view of one embodiment of a system for storingmagnetic recording media.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of portions of a data storage drive accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a data storage drive according toone embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a graphical representation of relative humidity versus dewpoint temperature for certain exterior air temperatures.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for providing aservice mode for an automated data storage library.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a method for providing aservice mode for an automated data storage library.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating thegeneral principles of the present disclosure and is not meant to limitthe inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular featuresdescribed herein can be used in combination with other describedfeatures in each of the various possible combinations and permutations.

Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be giventheir broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied fromthe specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in theart and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and theappended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include pluralreferents unless otherwise specified.

Efforts to improve the performance of traditional data centers attemptto minimize the cost of processing and storing data. One option that isemployed to reduce operational costs of datacenters is to run theequipment in the datacenter at the high end of its environmentaloperational limits, thereby allowing for cooling of the datacenter to bereduced. In other words, datacenters are running increasingly hot andmore humid conditions than traditional datacenters in an attempt toreduce operating costs. Although this strategy may be effective whenapplied to disk and/or flash data storage environments, magnetic tape ismore susceptible to degradation when exposed to these unfavorableconditions. Therefore, this option is not available for magnetic datastorage libraries.

In an effort to control the environment within magnetic data storagelibraries so as to provide suitable working conditions for magnetic tapemedia, data storage drives, etc., air conditioning units may beincorporated into the data storage libraries themselves. While these airconditioning units effectively control the temperature and humiditywithin the data storage libraries, the environmental conditions of thearea surrounding the data storage libraries remain largely unchanged,with conditions often being higher in both temperature and humidity.While this may allow a datacenter to operate at reduced costs, it mayalso result in a marked temperature differential between the interiorand exterior environments of the data storage libraries. Such atemperature differential may prove problematic during service of thedata storage library and/or replacement of data storage librarycomponents such as data storage cartridges, data storage drives, etc.,as condensation may develop on replacement cartridges and other serviceparts during their service, installation, and/or removal from the datastorage library. Condensation accumulation on such sensitive componentrymay cause component damage, up to and including component failure and/ordata loss.

FIGS. 1A & 1B and FIG. 2 illustrate an example of a data storage system,e.g., an automated data storage library 10 which stores and retrievesdata storage cartridges, containing data storage media (not shown), frommulti-cartridge deep slot storage cells 100 and single cartridge storageslots 16. Examples of an automated data storage library which has asimilar configuration as that depicted in FIG. 1A and FIG. 2, and may beimplemented with some of the various approaches herein may include theIBM TS4500 Tape Library or the IBM TS3500 Tape Library.

The library 10 in the embodiment of FIG. 1A comprises a left handservice bay 13, one or more storage frames 11, and right hand servicebay 14. The library 10 of FIG. 1B comprises a left handed service bay13, one or more storage frames 11, a right handed service bay 14 andoptional environmental conditioning units 1012 which may control thetemperature, humidity and/or other environmental conditions in theinterior of the library 10. While two environmental conditioning unitsare shown in FIG. 1B, it will be appreciated that more or lessenvironmental conditioning units 1012 may be associated with thelibrary, and in circumstances the library may have no environmentalconditioning units. As will be discussed in further detail below, aframe may comprise an expansion component of the library. Thus, storageframes may be added or removed to expand or reduce the size and/orfunctionality of the library. According to different approaches, framesmay include additional storage slots, deep storage slot cells, drives,import/export stations, accessors, operator panels, controller cards,communication cards, etc. Moreover, an accessor aisle 12 preferablyextends between the storage frames and bays of the embodiments in FIGS.1A & 1B thereby allowing an accessor to move between frames. Herein, alibrary frame may refer to an expansion frame or expansion module of anexpandable library, or it may refer to part or all of a nonexpandablelibrary.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a storage frame 11, which mayact as the base frame and/or the minimum configuration of the library10. The storage frame 11 illustrated in FIG. 2 may have only a singleaccessor 18 (i.e., there are no redundant accessors) and no service bay.However, in other embodiments, a storage frame may include multiplerobotic accessors and/or service bays.

Looking to FIG. 2, the library 10 is arranged for accessing data storagemedia in response to commands from at least one external host system(not shown). The library 10 includes a plurality of storage slots 16 onfront door 17 and a plurality of multi-cartridge deep slot cells 100 onrear wall 19, both of which may be used for storing data storagecartridges that may contain data storage media. According to oneapproach, the storage slots 16 are configured to store a single datastorage cartridge, and the multi-cartridge deep slot cells 100 areconfigured to store a plurality of data storage cartridges. Thearrangement and positioning of the storage slots 16 and the deep slotcells 100 may be different than illustrated in FIG. 2.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the storage frame 11 of the library10 also includes at least one data storage drive 15, e.g., for readingand/or writing data with respect to the data storage media in the datastorage cartridges. Additionally, a first accessor 18 may be used totransport data storage cartridges containing data storage media betweenthe plurality of storage slots 16, the multi-cartridge deep slot cells100, and/or the data storage drive(s) 15. According to variousapproaches, the data storage drives 15 may be optical disk drives,magnetic tape drives, or other types of data storage drives that areused to read and/or write data with respect to the data storage media.

As illustrated, the storage frame 11 may optionally include an operatorpanel or other user interface, such as a web-based interface, whichallows a user to interact with the library 10. Optionally, the library10 may have an associated software application having a user interface,which also allows a user to interact with the library 10. The softwareapplication may be executable on a computing device, a remote server, acloud or a mobile device.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the automated data storage library 10 asdescribed in reference to FIGS. 1A & 1B and FIG. 2, is depictedaccording to one embodiment. According to a preferred approach, thelibrary 10 may employ a controller, e.g., arranged as a distributedsystem of modules with a plurality of processor nodes.

In one approach, the library is controlled, not by a central controller,but rather, by a distributed control system for receiving logicalcommands and converting the commands to physical movements of theaccessor and gripper, and for operating the drives in accordance withthe desired physical movements. The distributed control system may alsoprovide logistical support, such as responding to host requests forelement status, inventory, library status, etc. The specific commands,the conversion of those commands to physical movements of the accessor,gripper, controllers, and other components, and the operation of thedrives may be of a type known to those of skill in the art.

While the automated data storage library 10 has been described asemploying a distributed control system, various other approachesdescribed and/or suggested herein may be implemented in automated datastorage libraries regardless of control configuration, such as, but notlimited to, an automated data storage library having one or more librarycontrollers that are not distributed.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, library 10 receives commands fromone or more host systems 40, 41, 42. The host systems 40, 41, 42, suchas host servers, communicate with the library directly, e.g., on line 80(e.g., path), through one or more control ports (not shown), or throughone or more data storage drives 15 on paths 81, 82. Thus, in differentapproaches, the host systems 40, 41, 42 may provide commands to accessparticular data storage cartridges and move the cartridges, for example,between the storage slots 16, the deep slot cells 100, and the datastorage drives 15. The commands are typically logical commandsidentifying the data storage cartridges or data storage cartridge media,and/or logical locations for accessing the media. Furthermore, it shouldbe noted that the terms “commands” and “work requests” are usedinterchangeably herein to refer to such communications from the hostsystem 40, 41, 42 to the library 10 as are intended to result inaccessing particular data storage media within the library 10 dependingon the desired approach.

According to one embodiment, the library 10 may be controlled by alibrary controller. Moreover, in various approaches, the librarycontroller may include a distributed control system receiving thelogical commands from hosts, determining the required actions, and/orconverting the actions to physical movements of the first and/or secondaccessors 18, 28 and/or gripper assemblies 20, 30. In another approach,the distributed control system may have a plurality of processor nodes,each having one or more computer processors. According to one example ofa distributed control system, a communication processor node 50 may belocated in a storage frame 11. The communication processor node providesa communication link for receiving the host commands, either directly orthrough the drives 15, via at least one external interface, e.g.,coupled to line 80.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the communication processor node 50 is coupledto each of the data storage drives 15 of a storage frame 11, via lines70, and may communicate with the drives 15 and with host systems 40, 41,42. Alternatively, the host systems 40, 41, 42 may be directly coupledto the communication processor node 50, at line 80 (e.g., input) forexample, or to control port devices (not shown) which connect thelibrary to the host system(s) with a library interface similar to thedrive/library interface. As is known to those of skill in the art,various communication arrangements may be employed for communicationwith the hosts and with the data storage drives. In the example of FIG.3, lines 80 and 81 are intended to be Ethernet and a SCSI bus,respectively, and may serve as host connections. However, path 82comprises an example of a Fibre Channel bus which is a high speed serialdata interface, allowing transmission over greater distances than theSCSI bus systems.

According to some approaches, the data storage drives 15 may be in closeproximity to the communication processor node 50, and may employ a shortdistance communication scheme, such as Ethernet, or a serial connection,such as RS-422. Thus, the data storage drives 15 may be individuallycoupled to the communication processor node 50 by lines 70.Alternatively, the data storage drives 15 may be coupled to thecommunication processor node 50 through one or more networks.

Furthermore, additional storage frames 11 may be provided, whereby eachis preferably coupled to the adjacent storage frame. According tovarious approaches, any of the additional storage frames 11 may includecommunication processor nodes 50, storage slots 16, storage cells 100,data storage drives 15, networks 60, etc.

An automated data storage library 10 typically comprises one or morecontrollers to direct the operation of the automated data storagelibrary. Moreover, host computers and data storage drives typicallyinclude similar controllers. A library controller may take manydifferent forms and may comprise, for example, but is not limited to, anembedded system, a distributed control system, a personal computer, aworkstation, etc. The term “library controller” as used herein isintended in its broadest sense as a device that includes at least oneprocessor, and optionally further circuitry and/or logic, forcontrolling and/or providing at least some aspects of libraryoperations.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a typical controller 400 is shown with aprocessor 402, Random Access Memory (RAM) 403, nonvolatile memory 404,device specific circuits 401, and I/O interface 405. Alternatively, theRAM 403 and/or nonvolatile memory 404 may be contained in the processor402 as could the device specific circuits 401 and I/O interface 405. Theprocessor 402 may comprise, for example, an off-the-shelfmicroprocessor, custom processor, Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA),Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), discrete logic, etc. TheRAM 403 is typically used to hold variable data, stack data, executableinstructions, etc.

According to various approaches, the nonvolatile memory 404 may compriseany type of nonvolatile memory such as, but not limited to, ElectricallyErasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), flash Programmable ReadOnly Memory (PROM), battery backup RAM, hard disk drives, etc. However,the nonvolatile memory 404 is typically used to hold the executablefirmware and any nonvolatile data containing programming instructionsthat can be executed to cause the processor 402 to perform certainfunctions.

In some embodiments, the I/O interface 405 may include a communicationinterface that allows the processor 402 to communicate with devicesexternal to the controller. Examples of the communication interface maycomprise, but are not limited to, serial interfaces such as RS-232, USB(Universal Serial Bus), Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI), RS-422or a wireless communication interface such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,near-field communication (NFC) or other wireless interfaces. Thecontroller 400 may communicate with an external device via thecommunication interface 405 in any communication protocols such asAutomation/Drive Interface (ADI).

The device specific circuits 401 provide additional hardware to enablethe controller 400 to perform unique functions including, but notlimited to, motor control of an accessor cartridge gripper. Moreover,the device specific circuits 401 may include electronics that provide,by way of example but not limitation, Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)control, Analog to Digital Conversion (ADC), Digital to AnalogConversion (DAC), etc. In addition, all or part of the device specificcircuits 401 may reside outside the controller 400.

While the automated data storage library 10 is described as employing adistributed control system, the various approaches described and/orsuggested herein may be implemented in various automated data storagelibraries regardless of control configuration, including, but notlimited to, an automated data storage library having one or more librarycontrollers that are not distributed. Moreover, a library controller maycomprise one or more dedicated controllers of a library, depending onthe desired embodiment. For example, there may be a primary controllerand a backup controller. In addition, a library controller may compriseone or more processor nodes of a distributed control system. Accordingto one example, communication processor node 50 (e.g., of FIG. 3) maycomprise the library controller while the other processor nodes (ifpresent) may assist the library controller and/or may provide backup orredundant functionality. In another example, communication processornode 50 and work processor node 52 may work cooperatively to form thelibrary controller while the other processor nodes (if present) mayassist the library controller and/or may provide backup or redundantfunctionality. Still further, all of the processor nodes may comprisethe library controller. According to various approaches described and/orsuggested herein, a library controller may have a single processor orcontroller, or it may include multiple processors or controllers, ormultiple cores in a processor chip.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate the front 501 and rear 502 views of a datastorage drive 15, according to one embodiment. In the example depictedin FIGS. 5A-5B, the data storage drive 15 comprises a hot-swap drivecanister, which is in no way intended to limit the disclosure or theinvention. In fact, any configuration of data storage drive may be usedwhether or not it includes a hot-swap canister. Herein, data storagedrive may comprise a drive brick (e.g., a minimum configuration of adrive), a drive sled (e.g., a drive brick mounted on a plate orassembly), a drive canister (e.g., a drive brick mounted in anenclosure), or any other method of mounting and/or packaging a drivebrick in an automated data storage library. As discussed above, a datastorage drive 15 is used to read and/or write data with respect to thedata storage media, and may additionally communicate with a memory whichis separate from the media, and is located within the cartridge. Thus,according to one approach, a data storage cartridge having data storagemedia may be placed into the data storage drive 15 at opening 503.

Furthermore, FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a data storagecartridge 600 with a cartridge memory 610 shown in a cutaway portion ofFIG. 6, which is in no way intended to limit the disclosure or theinvention. In fact, any configuration of data storage cartridge may beused whether or not it comprises a cartridge memory. According tovarious approaches, the media of the data storage cartridge may includeany type of media on which data may be stored, including but not limitedto magnetic media, e.g., magnetic tape, disks, etc.; optical media,e.g., optical tape, disks, etc.; electronic media, e.g., PROM, EEPROM,flash PROM, COMPACTFLASH™, SMARTMEDIA™, MEMORY STICK™, etc., or othersuitable media. Moreover, an example of a data storage cartridge that iswidely employed in automated data storage libraries for mass datastorage is a magnetic tape cartridge in which the media is magnetictape.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a system 1000 includes a frame 1002 of anautomated data storage library 1004, similar to frames 11 describedabove with respect to FIGS. 1B and 2. As described above, automatedlibraries are typically used to store cartridges and drives in largearrays to store large amounts of data. Thus, an interior of frame 1002is illustrated as a tape library in one embodiment, and is depicted asincluding one or more tape drives 1006, an area for storing tapecartridges (e.g., multi-cartridge deep slot cells 1008 and singlecartridge storage slots 1009), and a robotic accessor 1010, among othercomponents which would be apparent to one skilled in the art uponreading the present description (e.g., see FIG. 2 above). At least oneaccess door 1060 may be provided, and access door 1060 may be providedwith a locking mechanism for selectively restricted access to theinterior of the frame 1002. The locking mechanism may be locked eitherautomatically (e.g., via a command from a library controller), ormanually by a technician or other personnel. Additionally, while notshown, system 1000 may further include one or more indicators capable ofrelaying operational status of the system 1000 to the user. For example,one or more visual indicators (e.g., lights, text indicators, etc.) maybe externally visible to a technician or other personnel, with thevisual indicator providing a status of the system 1000. Alternativelyand/or additionally, the indicator may be one or more audibleindicators.

System 1000 further includes an optional environmental conditioning unit1012 associated with the frame 1002. The environmental conditioning unit1012 may be integrated with and coupled to frame 1002. For the purposesof the present disclosure, it is to be understood that an environmentalconditioning unit may be any device which conditions the air and/or thesurrounding environment and is able to change the environmentalconditions. The environmental conditions may include (but are notlimited to) temperature, humidity, pressure, etc. In one embodiment, theenvironmental conditioning unit may be an air-conditioning unit. Inother embodiments, the environmental conditioning unit may be athermo-electric heater, a thermo-electric cooler, an electric heater, aliquid heater, a liquid cooler, a heat pump, an evaporative cooler, anionizer, a de-ionizer, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, one or more fans,or any combination thereof. An environmental conditioning unit inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure may increase ordecrease the temperature, humidity, pressure, etc. The environmentalconditioning unit 1012 may be coupled to an upper surface 1014 (e.g.,the roof) of the frame 1002 as shown in FIGS. 1B and FIG. 7. Theenvironmental conditioning unit 1012 preferably operates withoutnegatively affecting the operating conditions in the frame 1002.Alternatively, an environmental conditioning unit may be functionallyassociated with the frame 1002 by positioning the environmentalconditioning unit elsewhere and using ducts to route the air to theinterior of the frame 1002, coupling the environmental conditioning unitto a side of the frame 1002, coupling the environmental conditioningunit to a bottom of the frame 1002 (underneath the frame 1002), etc.,depending on the desired approach.

The environmental conditioning unit 1012 is preferably configured suchthat it may adjust, change and/or regulate the relative conditions(e.g., temperature, humidity, contaminant presence via filtering, etc.)inside the frame 1002. Thus, according to different approaches, theenvironmental conditioning unit may be able to reduce the temperature ofthe interior of the frame 1002 and/or reduce the relative humidity ofthe interior of the frame 1002, depending on the type of environmentalconditioning unit 1012 employed. The environmental conditioning unit1012 is preferably configured to turn on and off as desired to maintaina selected temperature and/or humidity in the interior of the frame1002. Alternatively, the environmental conditioning unit may have a fanand the fan can be left always on to keep air circulating within theinterior of the frame. In one embodiment, the environmental conditioningunit may be an air conditioning unit and the fan may be continuously onand the condenser may turn on and off to maintain a selected temperatureand/or humidity in the interior of the frame 1002.

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the environmentalconditioning unit 1012 may be an air conditioning unit and may be ableto adjust the relative temperature and/or humidity of the interior ofthe frame 1002 in a conventional manner. Cold air may flow into theinterior of the frame 1002 via an inlet air duct 1030 which may connectthe environmental conditioning unit 1012 to the interior of the frame1002, and form an inlet 1035 in the upper surface 1014 of the frame1002. Specifically, an inlet air duct 1030 may direct the air cooled bythe environmental conditioning unit 1012 into the interior of the frame1002, e.g., where the majority of the data storage media may be stored.As a result, air flow is created from the environmental conditioningunit 1012 to the interior of the frame 1002, as indicated by arrows1024. This air flow may be induced by a fan included in theenvironmental conditioning unit 1012 and/or by using the fans in the oneor more tape drives 1006 in the frame 1002. Although the air flow ispreferably directed from the environmental conditioning unit 1012 to theinterior of the frame 1002, and from the interior of the frame 1002 backto the environmental conditioning unit 1012, the particular path thatthe air flow is shown as extending along in the present embodiment byarrows 1024 is in no way intended to limit the disclosure or theinvention.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, system 1000 may include an enclosure1020 for the environmental conditioning unit 1012. An additional fan1040 may be included in the enclosure 1020 for passing ambient air overexternal components of the environmental conditioning unit 1012 tofurther promote heating, cooling and/or conditioning of the air.Moreover, the enclosure 1020 may include an opening, a baffle orbaffles, etc. to direct ambient air exterior to the library 1004 towardan inlet 1022 of the environmental conditioning unit 1012.

In one embodiment, any vents, voids, seams, etc. in the frame 1002 ofthe library 1004, other than inlet 1035 and an outlet 1032 in an uppersurface 1014 of the frame 1002, are preferably sealed such that air fromoutside the frame 1002 is restricted from entering the interior thereof.The frame 1002 may be sealed using any processes which would be apparentto one skilled in the art upon reading the present description, e.g.,including but not limited to inserting foam, implementing insulatingseals, etc. New frames may be built without any vents, voids, seams,etc. The housing and panels enclosing the frame 1002 may also beinsulated to prevent or inhibit unconditioned air from entering theframe 1002.

The frame 1002 may also include one or more environmental sensors 1050exterior to the library 1004 and may also include one or more sensors1055 exterior to the library 1004 but inside the enclosure 1020 for theenvironmental conditioning unit 1012. In one embodiment the sensors 1055may be located in front of inlet 1022 of the environmental conditioningunit 1012. The environmental sensors 1050, 1055 may be any sensorappropriate for determining the environmental conditions at the sensorlocation, such as one or more temperature sensors, one or more humiditysensors, one or more pressure sensors, etc. The one or moreenvironmental sensors 1050, 1055 may be in communication with a librarycontroller, such as library controller 400 shown and described withrespect to FIG. 4. The one or more signals provided by the environmentalsensors 1050, 1055 may be utilized to control the output and operationof the environmental conditioning unit 1012. Although the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 7 includes a single frame 1002 and a singleenvironmental conditioning unit 1012, other embodiments may includeadditional frames and/or environmental conditioning units.

System 1000 illustrated in FIG. 7 may further comprise one or moreenvironmental sensors 1028 disposed within the interior of the library1002. The environmental sensor(s) may be any appropriate sensor fordetermining the environmental conditions within the frame 1002, such asone or more temperature sensors, one or more humidity sensors, one ormore pressure sensors, etc. The one or more environmental sensors 1028may be in communication with a library controller, such as controller400 shown and described with respect to FIG. 4. As such, the signalprovided by the one or more environmental sensors 1028 may be utilizedto control the output and operation of the environmental conditioningunit 1012.

Although the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a single frame1002 and a single environmental conditioning unit 1012, otherembodiments may include additional frames and/or environmentalconditioning units.

While a data storage library having an associated and/or integratedenvironmental conditioning unit advantageously controls theenvironmental conditions within the library, some challenges may existwhen components within such a data storage library need to be servicedor replaced. As noted above, many data centers are maintained at highertemperatures and higher humidity levels to reduce the costs related tocooling the data center. For this reason, environmental conditionswithin the data center may differ substantially from those within a datastorage library having an associated environmental conditioning unit. Asa result, opening an access door to the data storage library mayintroduce an influx of air from the data center into the conditionedenvironment of the data storage library, potentially causingcondensation formation and/or accumulation on various surfaces withinthe data storage library, and particularly on those surfaces havingtemperatures cooler than the external air. Condensation formation onsurfaces of sensitive components such as data storage cartridges anddata storage drives for reading data storage media is undesirable, asmoisture may lead to adverse effects, and, in extreme situations,failure of the components and/or data loss. Specifically, the read/writetape head within the data storage drive(s) may be particularly sensitiveto many forms of contamination, including condensation formation.

Thus, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a datastorage library capable of entering a distinct service mode is provided.The service mode may be initiated prior to exposing the interior of thelibrary to environmental conditions of the data center (e.g.,environmental conditions outside the library) and/or prior to allowing atechnician or other personnel to enter into the interior of the libraryto service and/or replace one or more library components, or,alternatively, may be initiated any time an access door or other accesspanel on the data storage library is to be opened. Upon initiation ofthe service mode, the temperature of at least a portion of the one ormore data storage drive(s) may be increased. In this way, the interiorof the data storage library may be accessed through a door or otherentry point, but with a reduced possibility for the formation ofcondensation on or within the sensitive componentry in the data storagelibrary.

Referring to FIG. 8, a schematic illustration of various components of adata storage drive 100 is shown. It is to be understood that datastorage drive 100 may be the same or similar to data storage drive 15discussed above. Furthermore, while one specific implementation of adata storage drive is shown in FIG. 8, it is also to be understood thatthe embodiments described herein may be implemented in the context ofany type of data storage drive system.

Data storage drive 100 may include therein a removable data storagecartridge, which may be configured similarly to data storage cartridge600 disclosed above with respect to FIG. 6. A take-up reel 121 may beprovided to support a length of tape 122 that is supplied by the supplyreel 120. The data storage drive 100 may further include one or moredrive motors (not shown) to drive the supply reel 120 and the take-upreel 121 so as to move the tape 122 over a tape head 126, wherein thetape head 126 may contain various read/write sensors. The sensors oftape head 126 may be any appropriate sensors, such as one or more giantmagnetoresistance (GMR) sensor(s) and/or tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR)sensor(s).

Guides 125 may be configured to guide the tape 122 across the tape head126. In turn, the tape head 126 may be coupled to a controller assembly128 via one or more cables 130. The controller 128 may control tape headfunctions such as servo following, writing, reading, etc. The cable(s)130 may include read/write circuits to transmit data to the head 126 tobe recorded on the tape 122 and to receive data read by the head 126from the tape 122. An actuator 132 may control the position of the head126 relative to the tape 122.

As noted above, it may be advantageous for the library to enter aservice mode when technician entry into the data storage library isneeded for component service and/or replacement. The tape heads (such astape head 126) of the data storage drives may be particularly sensitiveto an influx of external air into the data storage library, as thevarious read/write sensors of the tape heads may not suitably performthe read and/or write operations if condensation is able to formthereon. Thus, in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, the datastorage library may be configured to enter a special service mode priorto any door or access panel of the data storage library beingopened/accessed for service. During the service mode, a command (ormessage) may be sent to all data storage drives (such as data storagedrive 100) to maintain and/or enable power to at least the read elementsof the tape head(s) 126, including those tape heads 126 that are notactively performing any read/write operations on data storage cartridgesat the time the service mode is implemented. The command may be sent toall data storage drives 100 from, for example, a library controller,such controller 400 shown and described with respect to FIG. 4. Theservice mode may be entered automatically any time a door or otheraccess panel is to be opened, or it may be manually entered by atechnician or other person via, for example, a user interface on thedata storage library.

In changing an operational state of the data storage drive(s) 100 byproviding or maintaining power to at least the read elements of tapehead(s) 126 during the service mode, the tape head(s) 126 may bemaintained at a higher temperature than the surrounding conditionedenvironment within the interior of the data storage library. In thisway, the formation and/or accumulation of condensation on the tapehead(s) 126 may be resisted, impeded, inhibited and/or prevented duringa service procedure in which an influx of external air may enter thedata storage library, as the temperature of the tape head(s) 126 may besufficiently elevated so as not to be effected by an intrusion of warm,humid external air. The power level applied to the read elements of thetape head(s) 126 may be predetermined based on known operational limits,interior and external environmental conditions of the data storagelibrary, etc.

In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the power supplied to atleast the read elements of the tape head(s) 126 may be provided at alevel sufficient to maintain an adequately high local temperature atand/or around tape head(s) 126 so as to inhibit and/or avoid theformation of condensation thereon. The local temperature on tape head(s)126 may be maintained at a level considered reliable for a time periodbeyond that of any typical service procedure, yet higher than a localtemperature considered reliable for long-term continuous use. Forexample, if the tape head(s) 126 utilizes one or more GMR sensors, themaximum Joule heating temperature may be 212° F. (100° C.) during actualuse of the data storage drive(s) 100. However, without an actualreading/writing operation of the tape being performed, the GMR sensorsmay be heated to absolute temperatures of between, e.g., 302° F. to 392°F. (150° C. to 200° C.) for a period of up to several months. Thus, thetape head(s) 126 may be held at such elevated temperatures during ashort-term service mode without concern for the tape head sensor(s)being compromised. Similarly, if the tape head(s) 126 utilize one ormore TMR sensors, a maximum voltage for continuous use over many yearsmay be 200 mV, but an intermittent maximum voltage of 250 mV may beapplied for a period of days, or perhaps even weeks. Thus, duringoccasional service procedures (and accompanying service modes), anelevated voltage may be applied to the TMR sensors in order to avoidand/or prevent condensation formation thereon, as the local temperatureon and/or around the tape head(s) 126 will increase with increasingvoltage application. It is to be understood that the maximum temperatureand/or voltage levels disclosed above are merely examples, and thatactual heating condition limitations for particular read sensors of tapehead(s) 126 may vary dependent upon the specific geometry of thesensor(s) and sensor material(s) utilized.

Upon completion of the service procedure, the service mode may be exitedeither automatically (e.g., upon sensing closure of a door or accesspanel on the data storage library) or manually (e.g., via operator inputto a user interface that the service mode is complete). The librarycontroller may then send a command or message to the data storagedrive(s) 100 to resume their pre-service mode conditions. Thus, forthose data storage drive(s) 100 which were not actively being used in aread/write procedure, the power supplied to the tape head(s) 126 may beturned off and/or disconnected, while those data storage drive(s) 100that were actively being used in a read/write procedure immediatelyprior to the service mode implementation may continue having powersupplied to the tape head(s) 126. Herein, internal temperature of a datastorage drive may refer to air temperature (e.g., the temperature of anair space within a drive) or component temperature (e.g., thetemperature of a tape head, integrated circuit, card, housing, frame,surface, etc.).

Next, a special service mode in accordance with another aspect isdisclosed. As discussed above with respect to FIGS. 5A-5B, 6, and 8, oneor more data storage cartridges may be loaded into a data storage drivefor data read/write operations. As FIG. 8 illustrates, tape 122 heldwithin a data storage cartridge may be guided across the tape head 126of a data storage drive 100 to complete data read/write operations.However, not only does tape 122 act as a physical medium for the storageof data, but tape 122 may also act as a physical barrier to protect thetape head 126 from outside contaminants, including condensation.

Thus, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the datastorage library may be configured to enter a special service mode priorto any door or access panel of the data storage library beingopened/accessed for service. During the service mode, a command (ormessage) may be sent to all data storage drives (such as data storagedrive 100) having data storage cartridge(s) already mounted therein toretain the data storage cartridge(s) and to configure the cartridge suchthat the tape 122 remains in contact with tape head(s) 126. The datastorage cartridge(s) in this embodiment are not unloaded during theservice mode. The command may be sent to the data storage drives 100via, for example, a library controller, such controller 400 shown anddescribed with respect to FIG. 4.

Additionally, initiation of the service mode may also send a command tothe library robotics (such as, e.g., accessor 18 shown in FIG. 2) toload at least one data storage cartridge into any empty, unused datastorage drive 100 within the data storage library. The data storagecartridge(s) utilized in these empty data storage drive(s) 100 maypreferably be protective and/or diagnostic cartridges, as opposed toactive read/write (and potentially customer-owned) cartridges. Theprotective and/or diagnostic cartridge(s) would have a tape or mediumthat remains in contact with the tape head and preferably forms abarrier to protect the tape from environmental conditions andcontaminants. These data storage cartridge(s) would remain in thepreviously-empty data storage drive(s) 100 until completion of theservice mode. In this way, all data storage drives in the data storagelibrary preferably would have at least one cartridge inserted therein,and thus all tape heads 126 would be covered/protected from contaminantsand/or the formation of condensation thereon due to the physical barrierprovided by the tape 122 itself.

Additionally, or alternatively, data storage cartridges may be unloadedand non-operational cartridges, i.e., cartridges that do not containdata (e.g., protective and/or diagnostic cartridges) may be loaded intothe data storage drive. Additionally, or alternatively, the data storagelibrary may contain protective and/or diagnostic cartridges whoseprimary purpose is to protect the tape heads during a service mode. Forexample, tape or a physical barrier that overlies the tape head may bethicker and be configured and arranged to provide improved protectionagainst environmental conditions and/or contaminants than the datastorage cartridges and/or protective and/or diagnostic cartridges. Thedata storage library may have a sufficient number of the protectiveand/or diagnostic cartridges for each data storage drive in the datastorage library and upon initiation of the service mode, empty datastorage drives may receive the protective and/or diagnostic cartridges,and data storage drives having data storage cartridges or othercartridges may be removed and replaced with protective and/or diagnosticcartridges.

The service mode may be entered automatically any time a door or otheraccess panel is to be opened, or it may be manually entered by anoperator via, for example, a user interface on the data storage library.Likewise, the service mode may be exited automatically via sensing thatthe door or other access panel has been closed, or it may be exitedmanually by an operator input that the service procedure is complete.Upon exiting the service mode, the diagnostic cartridges and/orprotective and/or diagnostic cartridges that had been inserted into theempty data storage drives may be removed by, e.g., the roboticaccessor(s) in the data storage library. Additionally, a command ormessage may be sent to all previously-active data storage drives thatthey may resume normal operations and/or allow for the unloading of thedata storage cartridges housed therein.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, not only may one ormore data storage cartridges be loaded into (or remain within) each datastorage drive during the service mode, but a low-velocity read/writeoperation may also be performed by each data storage drive during theservice mode. Such low-velocity read/write operations may help tomaintain the tape heads and surrounding componentry at a certainelevated temperature as compared to the temperature of an inactive datastorage drive, which may further act to resist, impede, inhibit and/orprevent condensation formation and/or accumulation on the sensitivecomponentry within the data storage drive. The low-velocity read/writeoperation may cause less wear on the drive componentry than a typicalread/write operation, and, as such, may be advantageous for a servicemode application, where many of the data storage drives may contain onlyprotective and/or diagnostic cartridges therein.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the disclosure, a specialservice mode may be implemented in which a command is sent to all datastorage drives within the data storage library to eject anycustomer-supplied data storage cartridges prior to service. Then, onlyprotective and/or diagnostic cartridges may be inserted (via, forexample, a robotic accessor) into each data storage drive. Additionally,and/or alternatively, the low-velocity read/write operation may beperformed on the protective and/or diagnostic cartridges as detailedabove. In this way, the service mode may only utilize protective and/ordiagnostic cartridges to provide protection to the tape heads andvarious other components within the data storage drive, thereby avoidingpossible issues related to customer-supplied data storage cartridgesbeing used during the service procedure.

Next, referring to FIG. 9, a data storage drive 300 in accordance withanother aspect of the disclosure is illustrated. Similar to data storagedrive 15 described above with respect to FIGS. 5A-5B, data storage drive300 may be utilized to read and/or write data with respect to the datastorage media, and may additionally communicate with a memory which isseparate from the media and located within the cartridge. Thus,according to one approach, a data storage cartridge having data storagemedia may be placed into the data storage drive 300 at opening 302 on afront side 304. While only one data storage drive 300 is illustrated inFIG. 9, it is to be understood that a data storage library may havemultiple data storage drives 300 stored therein. Data storage drive 300further comprises a heating mechanism 306 housed at least partiallywithin the data storage drive 300. Heating mechanism 306 may be anyappropriate device capable of producing heat, such as one or moreresistors or any other heating element. Additionally, data storage drive300 may have at least one environmental condition sensor 308 housedtherein, wherein environmental condition sensor(s) 308 may be used todetermine, for example, the temperature and/or humidity within the datastorage drive 300.

As noted in various aspects of the disclosure described above, the datastorage library may enter a special service mode, either automaticallyor manually, when service is needed within the data storage library. Inaccordance with the present aspect, however, the heating mechanism 306within data storage drive 300 may be activated upon initiation of theservice mode. In this way, the interior of the data storage drive(s) 300may increase in temperature during the service mode which, in turn, mayaid in resisting, impeding, inhibiting, and/or preventing the formationof condensation on components within the drive (such as the tape head)when a door or other access panel to the data storage library is openedfor a service procedure. When the service mode is exited (again, eitherautomatically or manually) and the door or other access panel to thedata storage library has been closed, the heating mechanism 306 may beturned off, thereby reducing the temperature within the data storagedrive 300 and allowing the data storage drive 300 to resume its normaloperation.

Alternatively and/or additionally, in accordance with another aspect ofthe disclosure, the heating mechanism 306 may be activated any time adoor or other access panel of the data storage library is opened. Stillfurther, the heating mechanism 306 may be activated any time a datastorage cartridge is removed from data storage drive 300 and may bedeactivated any time a data storage cartridge is inserted or loaded intodata storage drive 300. Thus, a distinct initiation of a service modewould not be needed. Instead, when it is detected that a door or otheraccess panel is opened (via, e.g., door sensors in communication withthe library controller, etc.), the heating mechanism 306 may be turnedon in order to protect the drive 300 from the formation of condensationtherein. Likewise, when it is detected that the door or other accesspanel is closed, the heating mechanism 306 may be deactivated, therebyallowing the data storage drive 300 to return to its normal operatingtemperature and resume normal operation.

As noted above, the service mode may be initiated prior to allowing atechnician or other personnel to enter into the interior of the libraryto service and/or replace one or more library components, or,alternatively, it may be initiated any time an access door or otheraccess panel on the data storage library is opened, or is to be opened.In order to determine if and when it is acceptable to open a libraryaccess door or otherwise allow personnel to enter the data storagelibrary, it may be important to not only understand the temperaturedifferential between the interior environment and exterior environment,but also the relative humidity (RH) of at least the exteriorenvironment. If the interior temperature of the data storage library(T_(library)) is less than the dew point temperature (T_(dew)) for theexterior temperature (T_(air)), then the possibility exists forcondensation to form on components within the data storage library if anaccess door or other panel is opened for service, allowing an influx ofexternal air to enter the data storage library. This is becausecondensation may form and/or accumulate on various surfaces within theinterior of the data storage library if the temperature within the datastorage library (and/or components thereof) is at or below the dew pointtemperature of the surrounding room. Thus, in accordance with anotheraspect of the disclosure, the dew point temperature of the surrounding,exterior environment may be determined, which, in turn, may determine ifand when the interior of the data storage library may be accessed forservice.

Referring to FIG. 10, a graph depicting dew point temperature versusrelative humidity for several exterior temperature values (T_(air)=20°C., 30° C., and 40° C.) is illustrated. As FIG. 10 shows, the higher therelative humidity, the closer the dew point temperatures are to theexterior air temperature values. Thus, in order to resist, impede and/oravoid the formation of condensation within the data storage library (orspecific components thereof) due to humid air from the exterior enteringthe storage library during service procedures, it may be important totake into account not only the exterior air temperature, but also therelative humidity of the surrounding exterior environment. In order todetermine the dew point temperature of the exterior environment(T_(dew)), the temperature of the exterior air (T_(air)) and relativehumidity of the exterior air (RH) must be determined via, for example,one or more sensors 1050 located exterior to the data storage library,as shown and described above with respect to FIG. 7. The dew pointtemperature T_(dew) may be determined based on Equation 1, set forthbelow:T _(dew)=−54.86+0.514·T _(air)+[11.77+0.103*T _(air)]·ln(RH)  (1)The processor may be programmed to run the equation before or during aservice mode.

Alternatively, and/or additionally, dew point temperature T_(dew) forthe exterior of the library may be more generally determined based alook-up table. The interior temperature of the data storage library(T_(library)) may be determined via one or more interior sensors 1028,again shown and described with respect to FIG. 7.

Where the interior temperature of the library (T_(library)) is less thanthe dew point temperature (T_(dew)) for the exterior air, a librarycontroller (such as controller 400 described above) or other mechanismmay operate to restrict access to the data storage library by atechnician, either through providing one or more visual and/or audiblewarning indicators, automatically locking the access doors, etc.However, once the interior temperature (T_(library)) has risen to atemperature greater than the dew point temperature (T_(dew)) for theexterior temperature (T_(air)), access into the data storage library forservice and/or replacement of components may be allowed, as condensationformation on interior data storage library components should not occur.To provide a measure of protection against condensation, a predeterminedmargin for error may be incorporated into the calculation of anacceptable interior temperature (T_(library)), such as 1° C. to 5° C.greater than the calculated dew point temperature (T_(dew)).

While it may be ideal for the entire interior library temperature(T_(library)) to be greater than the dew point temperature (T_(dew))prior to allowing access into the interior of the data storage libraryfor service, in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, it may beadequate to only increase the temperature within the one or more datastorage drives such that the tape heads, data storage cartridges, andother sensitive components within the data storage drives reach atemperature above the dew point temperature (T_(dew)) during a servicemode. The temperature within the data storage drive(s) may be increasedthrough any appropriate means, including the methods described abovewith respect to FIGS. 8-9. For example, maintaining power to the readelement(s) will locally heat the read elements and the immediatelysurrounding material, thereby offering added protection to the readelements against condensation forming on these highly moisture sensitiveelectronic elements. In this way, the sensitive components such as thetape head(s) within the data storage drive(s) may be maintained at atemperature above the dew point temperature (T_(dew)) of the exteriorair, thereby allowing the data storage library to be accessed by atechnician or other personnel without the formation of condensation onat least the components within the data storage drive. Maintaining powerto other drive components, such as the motor or electronics cards willlocally heat the interior of the drive, offering further protection tothe components of the drive.

Next, referring to FIG. 11, a service mode process 2000 for performing aservice procedure within a data storage library in accordance with oneaspect of the disclosure is illustrated. While process 2000 is describedfor the sake of convenience and not with the intent of limiting thedisclosure as comprising a series and/or number of steps, it is to beunderstood that the process does not need to be performed as a series ofsteps and/or the steps do not need to be performed in the order shownand described with respect to FIG. 11, but may be performed as anintegrated process, a series of steps, in the order described or in analternative order.

At 2002, at least one data storage library is provided. At 2004, the atleast one data storage library is provided with at least oneenvironmental conditioning unit associated therewith, wherein theenvironmental conditioning unit is capable of controlling and/orregulating the temperature and/or humidity within the data storagelibrary. At 2006, a service mode is initiated when component serviceand/or replacement is needed within the data storage library. As notedabove, the service mode may be initiated automatically and/or manually.At 2008, the temperature within at least one data storage drivecontained within the data storage library is adjusted (or ramped) towardthe temperature of the environment outside of the data storage library.This adjustment in temperature may be made, for example, by maintainingpower to at least the read element(s) of the tape head within the atleast one data storage drive at 2010, and/or by turning on a heatingmechanism within the data storage drive at 2012.

The interior environmental conditions within the data storage drive(s)and the exterior environmental conditions are determined at 2014. At2016, if the environmental conditions within the data storage drive aredetermined to be outside of a predetermined suitable range, an indicatormay be turned on, warning the operator not to open the door, and/or thedoor may be (or remain) locked at step 2018. As disclosed above, theindicator may be one or more of a visual indicator or audible indicator.However, if the environmental conditions are within a desired and/orsuitable range, the indicator may be turned on or off and/or the door tothe library may be unlocked at 2020. Accordingly, a technician or otherpersonnel accesses or is permitted access into the interior of the datastorage library frame(s) at 2022 to perform a service procedure.

A determination is made whether or not the service procedure is completeat 2024. If no, continued access to the interior of the data storagelibrary for service and/or replacement of one or more components ispermitted. However, if yes, the conditions within the data storagedrive(s) may be ramped back to their original settings at 2026. In oneaspect, the determination of whether the service has been performed ismade or determined when the access panel is shut, and in responsethereto the conditions within the library can return to their originaland/or operational settings. In this way, the interior of data storagedrive(s) may be conditioned to be within recommended operationalconditions of the components contained therein when the library is notin a service mode.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a service mode process 3000 for performing aservice procedure within a data storage library in accordance withanother aspect of the disclosure is illustrated. While process 3000 isdescribed for the sake of convenience and not with the intent oflimiting the disclosure as comprising a series and/or number of steps,it is to be understood that the process does not need to be performed asa series of steps and/or the steps do not need to be performed in theorder shown and described with respect to FIG. 12, but may be performedas an integrated process, a series of steps, in the order described orin an alternative order.

At 3002, at least one data storage library is provided. At 3004, the atleast one data storage library is provided with at least oneenvironmental conditioning unit associated therewith, wherein theenvironmental conditioning unit is capable of controlling and/orregulating the temperature and/or humidity within the data storagelibrary. At 3006, a service mode is initiated when component serviceand/or replacement is needed within the data storage library. As notedabove, the service mode may be initiated automatically and/or manually.At 3008, at least one cartridge, e.g. data storage cartridge, protectivecartridge, and/or diagnostic cartridge, is installed (or maintained)within all data storage drives present within the data storage library.With at least one data storage cartridge installed in all data storagedrives, the tape heads (and particularly the read elements of the tapeheads) are provided with a physical barrier to protect against theformation of condensation and other forms of contamination. In someembodiments, protective and/or diagnostic cartridges may be installedwithin all unused data storage drives at 3010, with thecustomer-supplied cartridges remaining installed within the data storagedrives if in use during initiation of the service mode. In otherembodiments, all customer-owned cartridges may be removed from the datastorage drives, with only protective and/or diagnostic cartridges beinginstalled in all data storage drives during the service mode at 3012.

A determination is made whether or not cartridges are installed in alldata storage drives at 3014. At 3016, if cartridges are not installed inall data storage drives, an indicator may be turned on, warning theoperator not to open the door, and/or the door may be (or remain)locked. As disclosed above, the indicator may be one or more of a visualindicator or audible indicator. However, if cartridges are installed inall data storage drives, the indicator may be turned on or off and/orthe door to the library may be unlocked at 3018. Accordingly, thetechnician or other personnel accesses or is permitted to access theinterior of the data storage library frame(s) at 3020 to perform aservice procedure.

A determination is made whether or not the service procedure is completeat 3022. If no, continued access into the interior of the data storagelibrary for service and/or replacement of one or more components ispermitted. However, if yes, the protective and/or diagnostic cartridgesthat had been installed in unused data storage drives are removed at3024. In one aspect, the determination of whether the service iscomplete is made or determined when the access panel door is shut, andin response the protective and/or diagnostic cartridges are removed.

It follows that various embodiments described and/or suggested hereinare able to provide data storage systems, more specifically, automateddata storage libraries having climate control capabilities associatedand/or integrated with the automated data storage library, with aservice mode for regulating the interior environmental conditions withinthe data storage library based on the corresponding externalenvironmental conditions and/or regulating access to the interior of thedata storage library based on internal and external environmentalconditions. As a result, favorable conditions (e.g., temperature,humidity, presence of contaminants, etc.) may be maintained for the datastorage drives, data storage cartridges, etc., which may be stored inthe library frames, while the formation and/or accumulation ofcondensation on the data storage library components (and particularlycomponents within the one or more data storage drives) may be inhibited,impeded, resisted and/or avoided.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent disclosure.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present disclosure may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present disclosure.

Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of thedisclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

Moreover, a system according to various embodiments may include aprocessor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor,the logic being configured to perform one or more of the process stepsrecited herein. By integrated with, what is meant is that the processorhas logic embedded therewith as hardware logic, such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array(FPGA), etc. By executable by the processor, what is meant is that thelogic is hardware logic; software logic such as firmware, part of anoperating system, part of an application program; etc., or somecombination of hardware and software logic that is accessible by theprocessor and configured to cause the processor to perform somefunctionality upon execution by the processor. Software logic may bestored on local and/or remote memory of any memory type, as known in theart. Any processor known in the art may be used, such as a softwareprocessor module and/or a hardware processor such as an ASIC, a FPGA, acentral processing unit (CPU), an integrated circuit (IC), a graphicsprocessing unit (GPU), etc.

A data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing programcode may include at least one processor, which may be or be part of acontroller, coupled directly or indirectly to memory elements through asystem bus, such as controller 400 of FIG. 4. The memory elements caninclude local memory employed during actual execution of the programcode, such as nonvolatile memory 404 of FIG. 4, bulk storage, and cachememories which provide temporary storage of at least some program codein order to reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from bulkstorage during execution.

It will be clear that the various features of the foregoing systemsand/or methodologies may be combined in any way, creating a plurality ofcombinations from the descriptions presented above.

It will be further appreciated that embodiments of the presentdisclosure may be provided in the form of a service deployed on behalfof a customer to offer service on demand.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosurehave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A data storage library system, the systemcomprising: a data storage library; at least one environmentalconditioning unit coupled to the data storage library and configured tocontrol one or more interior environmental conditions within the datastorage library; at least one data storage drive retained within thedata storage library; at least one access door for providing access toan interior portion of the data storage library; and a librarycontroller, wherein the library controller is configured to initiate aservice mode prior to and during a service procedure performed withinthe data storage library, and in response to input received from one ormore sensors measuring one or more environmental conditions during theservice mode, the controller is configured to determine whether tochange at least one operational state within the at least one datastorage drive.
 2. The data storage library system of claim 1, whereinthe one operational state consists of at least one of heating the datastorage drive, providing a physical barrier over and/or between theread/write head of the drive, maintaining power to the drive head, andcombinations thereof.
 3. The data storage library system of claim 1,wherein at least one interior environmental condition within the atleast one data storage drive is ramped toward at least one exteriorenvironmental condition outside of the data storage library.
 4. The datastorage library system of claim 1, further comprising a tape head withinthe at least one data storage drive, wherein power is maintained on atleast portions of the tape head during the service mode.
 5. The datastorage library system of claim 1, wherein the at least one data storagedrive comprises a heating mechanism which increases the temperaturewithin the at least one storage drive during the service mode.
 6. Thedata storage library system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion ofthe interior of the at least one data storage drive is maintained abovea dew point temperature based upon the temperature and relative humidityoutside the data storage library.
 7. The data storage library system ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one environmental condition sensorat an interior location of the data storage library.
 8. The data storagelibrary system of claim 7, wherein the library controller is configuredto determine if environmental conditions within the data storage libraryare such that the at least one access door should not be opened based oninformation received from the at least one environmental conditionsensor at the interior location of the data storage library and input onthe at least one environmental condition at the exterior location of thedata storage library.
 9. The data storage library system of claim 1,further comprising at least one data storage cartridge, wherein thelibrary controller is configured to command or maintain insertion of theat least one data storage cartridge into the at least one data storagedrive during the service mode.
 10. The data storage library system ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one indicator associated with thedata storage library, wherein the at least one indicator is configuredto provide an indication to an operator when the at least one accessdoor should not be opened.
 11. The data storage library of claim 1,further comprising at least one lock associated with the at least oneaccess door, wherein the at least one lock is configured to preventaccess into the interior portion of the data storage library during atleast a period of the service mode.
 12. A system comprising: a datastorage library; at least one environmental conditioning unit associatedwith the data storage library and configured to control one or moreinterior environmental conditions within the data storage library; atleast one data storage drive disposed within the data storage library;at least one access door for providing access to an interior portion ofthe data storage library; and a library controller, wherein the librarycontroller is configured to initiate a service mode prior to and duringa service procedure performed within the data storage library, andfurther wherein the library controller is configured to, in response toinput on at least one environmental condition within the data storagelibrary and on the at least one environmental condition outside the datastorage library, modify at least one interior environmental conditionwithin the at least one data storage drive toward at least one exteriorenvironmental condition outside of the data storage library during theservice mode.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the library controlleris configured to ramp the temperature within the at least one datastorage drive toward a dew point temperature outside of the data storagelibrary.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein access into the interior ofthe data storage library is restricted until the at least one interiorenvironmental condition within the at least one data storage drive iswithin a desired range of the at least one exterior environmentalcondition outside of the data storage library during the service mode.15. The system of claim 12, wherein the library controller is furtherconfigured to maintain power to at least a portion of the data storagedrive during the service mode in order to modify the at least oneinterior environmental condition within the at least one data storagedrive toward the at least one exterior environmental condition outsideof the data storage library.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein the atleast one data storage drive comprises a heating mechanism, and furtherwherein, at least one of the data storage library, the librarycontroller, and the at least one data storage drive is configured toturn on the heating mechanism during the service mode.